Global Network Manager

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Global Network Manager

Location: London/Hybrid

Hours: 40 hours per week

Contract: Permanent - Salaried

Merlin is undertaking an exciting global transformation focused on sustainable growth and technology-led innovation. We are seeking a strategic and commercially driven Global Head of Network Operations to lead our worldwide network function. This is a critical leadership role responsible for delivering secure, scalable, and high-performing network infrastructure while driving operational excellence, innovation, cost efficiency, and team development.

Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Leadership• Lead and execute the global network strategy, ensuring efficiency, resilience, and scalability.• Drive cost‑optimisation initiatives, including SD‑WAN improvements, contract negotiations, and vendor performance.• Align network operations with wider transformation goals and infrastructure roadmaps.

Innovation & Technology• Champion emerging technologies such as AI‑driven monitoring, SDN, and cloud‑native networking.• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the team.• Implement automation tools to boost performance, reduce costs, and streamline operations.

Operational Excellence• Oversee global network service delivery, ensuring SLAs are met and incidents are proactively managed.• Enhance visibility and performance through advanced monitoring platforms.• Standardise and automate processes, ensuring accurate CMDB data and efficient updates.• Prioritise exceptional service and uptime to support guest experience.

Team Leadership• Lead and develop a global team of network engineers, providing mentoring, career development, and succession planning.• Build a high‑performance culture with regular coaching and recognition.• Ensure ITIL‑aligned service management practices are consistently applied.

Security & Compliance• Work with security and compliance teams to ensure network architecture meets internal and regulatory standards.• Oversee network disaster recovery planning and execution.

Cost Management• Own the global network OPEX budget, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting.• Assess network design and vendor proposals to ensure best value.• Support asset lifecycle management to reduce technical debt and optimise spend.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years in enterprise network engineering and operations in a global organisation.
• Proven track record in operational cost reduction, vendor management, and service optimisation.
• Deep expertise in TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, STP, QoS, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, SDWAN.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, and cloud networking.
• Certifications: CCNP required; CCIE or CCDP desirable.
• Experience with ITIL, SolarWinds, CatTools, and network automation scripting.
• Demonstrable experience working in a Managed Service Partner relationship
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead innovation and develop high-performing teams.

Benefits

• ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes - 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
• Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Company bonus
• Private pension scheme
• 40% discount online off LEGO
• 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Plus, many more…

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at Recruitment@Merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive